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Starbucks vs McDonald's: SBUX and MCD compared
Starbucks is the larger company: $9.1B of revenue in its latest quarter (Q4 FY26) against $7.2B for McDonald's (Q3 2026). McDonald's is growing faster (+1% against -4% a year earlier). McDonald's is more profitable, with an operating margin of 50.2% against 10.8%.
Where the money goes: SBUX and MCD
Starbucks (SBUX) · Q4 FY26
Starbucks, Q4 FY26: revenue $9.1B (-4% year over year), operating margin 10.8%, net earnings $677M, operating cash flow $1.4B. The chart follows the revenue to costs, profit and cash.
McDonald's (MCD) · Q3 2026
McDonald's, Q3 2026: revenue $7.2B (+1% year over year), operating margin 50.2%, net earnings $2.5B, operating cash flow $3.0B. The chart follows the revenue to costs, profit and cash.
| Starbucks (SBUX) | McDonald's (MCD) | |
|---|---|---|
| Latest quarter | Q4 FY26 | Q3 2026 |
| Revenue | $9.1B | $7.2B |
| Revenue growth, Y/Y | -4% | +1% |
| Operating margin | 10.8% | 50.2% |
| Net earnings | $677M | $2.5B |
| Net margin | 7.4% | 34.7% |
| Operating cash flow | $1.4B | $3.0B |
| Free cash flow | $1.0B | $2.1B |
| Market value | $120.6B | $196.9B |
| P/E | 60.8× | 22.4× |
| Analysts’ mean target | $110.76 | $299.52 |
Where the revenue comes from
Starbucks
- Company-operated coffeehouses: $7.4B (81%)
- Licensed coffeehouses: $1.2B (13%)
- Other: $516M (6%)
McDonald's
- International Operated Markets: $3.7B (51%)
- U.S. Market: $2.8B (39%)
- International Developmental Licensed Markets and Corporate: $709M (10%)
Questions
Which is bigger, Starbucks or McDonald's?
Starbucks is the larger company: $9.1B of revenue in its latest quarter (Q4 FY26) against $7.2B for McDonald's (Q3 2026).
Is Starbucks or McDonald's growing faster?
McDonald's is growing faster (+1% against -4% a year earlier).
Which is more profitable, Starbucks or McDonald's?
McDonald's is more profitable, with an operating margin of 50.2% against 10.8%.
More: Starbucks earnings · how Starbucks makes money · McDonald's earnings · how McDonald's makes money
From the companies' latest 10-Q, 10-K or earnings release (8-K filed Oct 29, 2026; 10-Q filed Nov 6, 2026). Fiscal quarters can end on different dates. Not investment advice.